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Sony A7 III vs Panasonic GH3

The Sony Alpha A7 III and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2018 and September 2012. Both the A7 III and the GH3 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (A7 III) and a Four Thirds (GH3) sensor. The Sony has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Sony A7 III
versus
Panasonic GH3
Sony A7 III   Panasonic GH3
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Sony E mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800) ISO 200-12,800 (125 - 25,600)
Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots) Electronic viewfinder (1746k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 614k dots
Tilting touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second 6 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
610 shots per battery charge540 shots per battery charge
127 x 96 x 74 mm, 650 g 133 x 93 x 82 mm, 550 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Alpha A7 III and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Sony A7 III and the Panasonic GH3 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Sony A7 III vs Panasonic GH3
Compare A7 III versus GH3 top
Comparison A7 III or GH3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH3 is somewhat larger (1 percent) than the Sony A7 III. However, the GH3 is markedly lighter (15 percent) than the A7 III. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7 III) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GH3). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the A7 III gets 610 shots out of its Sony NP-FZ100 battery, while the GH3 can take 540 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLF19 power pack. The power pack in the A7 III can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH3 133 mm 93 mm 82 mm 550 g 540 Y Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 6D Mark II 144 mm 111 mm 75 mm 765 g 1200 Y Jun 2017 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GH4 133 mm 93 mm 84 mm 560 g 500 Y Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G5 120 mm 83 mm 71 mm 396 g 320 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
10.
 
Sony A7 IV 131 mm 96 mm 80 mm 659 g 580 Y Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A7C 124 mm 71 mm 60 mm 509 g 740 Y Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 Y Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A9 127 mm 96 mm 63 mm 673 g 650 Y Apr 2017 4,499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The GH3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 35 percent) than the A7 III, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Sony A7 III features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic GH3 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH3 is 73 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the A7 III has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH3 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Sony A7 III and Panasonic GH3 sensor measures

With 24MP, the A7 III offers a higher resolution than the GH3 (15.9MP), but the A7 III nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 3.76μm for the GH3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A7 III is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 5 months) than the GH3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7 III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7 III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GH3 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7 III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Sony Alpha A7 III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 are ISO 200 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 125-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the A7 III is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the GH3 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

A7 III versus GH3 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the A7 III provides substantially higher image quality than the GH3, with an overall score that is 25 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.3 bits higher color depth, 2.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
2.
 
Panasonic GH3 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p22.712.481271
3.
 
Canon 6D Mark II Full Frame 26.0 6240 41601080/60p24.411.9286285
4.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
6.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
7.
 
Panasonic GH4 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.212.879174
8.
 
Panasonic G5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.411.661861
9.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
10.
 
Sony A7 IV Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7337997
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
12.
 
Sony A7C Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7340795
13.
 
Sony A9 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.0343493
14.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
15.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
16.
 
Sony A9 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.913.3351792
17.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A7 III provides a higher video resolution than the GH3. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Panasonic is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the A7 III offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the GH3 (2359k vs 1746k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Sony A7 III and Panasonic GH3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Panasonic GH31746 n3.0 / 614 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.5/s n n
4.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
6.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Panasonic GH42359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic G51440 n3.0 / 920 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Sony A7 IV3686 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A7C2360 n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A9 II3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A93686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that differentiates the A7 III and the GH3 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The A7 III reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the GH3 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The GH3 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the A7 III does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A7 III and the Panasonic GH3 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The A7 III writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the GH3 uses SDXC cards. The A7 III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the GH3 only has one slot. The A7 III supports UHS-II cards (on its first slot), while the GH3 can use UHS-I cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sony Alpha A7 III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
2.
 
Panasonic GH3Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Panasonic GH4Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
8.
 
Panasonic G5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Sony A7 IVYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
12.
 
Sony A7CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
13.
 
Sony A9 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
14.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
16.
 
Sony A9Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
17.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
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Studio photographers will appreciate that the Panasonic GH3 (unlike the A7 III) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The A7 III is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the GH3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the GH3 was succeeded by the Panasonic GH4. Further information on the features and operation of the A7 III and GH3 can be found, respectively, in the Sony A7 III Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GH3 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Sony A7 III better than the Panasonic GH3 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7 III:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 15.9MP) with a 25% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (25 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (2.3 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.2 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2359k vs 1746k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.67x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (922k vs 614k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (610 versus 540) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 5 months of technical progress since the GH3 launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3:

  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 100g or 15 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (35 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2012).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7 III is the clear winner of the match-up (21 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

A7 III 21:07 GH3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony A7 III and the Panasonic GH3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the A7 III or the GH3. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH35/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 6D Mark II4/5+4/580/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2017 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GH45/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
10.
 
Sony A7 IV5/5+ +4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A7C3.5/5..3.5/586/1004/54/5 Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A95/5+ +4.8/589/1005/55/5 Apr 2017 4,499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Sony A7 III vs Panasonic GH3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Sony A7 III Panasonic GH3
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Sony E mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date February 2018 September 2012
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 1,299
    Sensor Specs Sony A7 III Panasonic GH3
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.6 x 23.8 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 847.28 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 42.8 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.94 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 2.83 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 200 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 204,800 ISO 125 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X Venus VII FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 96 71
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.0 22.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.7 12.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3730 812
    Screen Specs Sony A7 III Panasonic GH3
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.67x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2359k dots 1746k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 614k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Sony A7 III Panasonic GH3
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 6 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic ShutterYESYES
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Single UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Sony A7 III Panasonic GH3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Sony A7 III Panasonic GH3
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Sony NP-FZ100 Panasonic DMW-BLF19
    Battery Life (CIPA)610 shots per charge540 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 127 x 96 x 74 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9 in)
    133 x 93 x 82 mm
    (5.2 x 3.7 x 3.2 in)
    Camera Weight 650 g (22.9 oz) 550 g (19.4 oz)
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